NCJ Number
234022
Journal
Forensic Magazine Volume: 7 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2010/January 2011 Pages: 1-36
Editor(s)
Mary Williams
Date Published
January 2011
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This issue presents several articles for forensic professionals related to forensic technology, trends, products, and solutions.
Abstract
The first article in this issue of Forensic examines briefly the cost/benefit analysis of adding a new application of forensic DNA, drug forfeitures. The second article examines how 3D ballistics imaging of cartridge casings and expended bullets, a move up from 2D forensic ballistics systems, offer significant correlation and accuracy advantages. The third article discusses issues that must be addressed and requirements met in a fully equipped digital forensics laboratory that contains numerous specialty spaces, each with its own unique and specific architectural/engineering design. The fourth article examines how in the new digital era that is changing the face of photography there is a need for an updated perspective when planning facilities for a photography section. Several key questions are addressed that should be answered in this planning process. The fifth article addresses safety issues in the prevention of ergonomic injuries when working in a forensic laboratory and spending many hours at a computer workstation entering data and researching databases. The sixth article examines five main cell phone operating systems that will aid in investigations. The seventh and final article describes the development of "touch DNA" a new technique for processing DNA. Scientists are now able to test for DNA without a sample from blood or bodily fluids. Touch DNA is used to process an item someone has touched. The issue concludes with a 2011 Buyer's guide on crime scene tools and products, design/build, digital forensics, forensic education, forensic services, other forensic equipment, and a company directory.